Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a press conference on September 24, 2013.

Hong Lei started the press conference with the following announcement:

Vice Premier Wang Yang of the State Council will attend and address the opening ceremony of the Euro-Asia Economic Forum 2013 on September 26 in Xi'an, Shaanxi.

Q: Cambodia opened the new Parliamentary Session on September 23. Hun Sen was nominated as the prime minister of the new government. What is China's comment? Will China offer congratulations to Hun Sen? What is China's expectation for the development of China-Cambodia relations?

A: We congratulate on the opening of the new Parliamentary Session of Cambodia and the re-election of Prime Minister Hun Sen. Premier Li Keqiang has sent a message of congratulation to Prime Minister Hun Sen.

China and Cambodia are neighbours of long-lasting friendship. China-Cambodia comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation has scored remarkable progress over recent years, delivering tangible benefits to the two peoples. China is ready to enhance friendly cooperation with the new parliament and government of Cambodia to advance bilateral relations.

Q: A US research institute said that the DPRK has recently tested a long-range rocket engine as indicated by satellite images. What is China's comment?

A: We have seen relevant report. Upholding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula meets the interests and constitutes the responsibility of all parties. As the situation on the Korean Peninsula is moving gradually towards relaxation, we hope that all parties will make more contributions to peace and stability there and work for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

Q: Over the past couple of years, China's reliance on Middle East crude oil imports has overtaken that of the US. The US is asking for China to play a more cooperative role together with the US in this region. Is China willing to take on more responsibilities in this region?

A: A prosperous, peaceful and stable West Asia and North Africa that enjoys political inclusiveness and cultural interaction is in the best interests of countries within the region as well as the international community as a whole. China has played and will continue to play the following roles on the way towards that goal.

The first is to safeguard stability, encourage peace talks, call for a peaceful settlement of hotspot issues through political means and continue to support the just cause of the Arabian people. This year, China has put forward a four-point proposal on resolving the Palestinian question and invited Palestinian and Israeli leaders to visit China, which demonstrates China's role as a responsible country. The second is to defend principles, resolutely uphold purposes of the UN Charter as well as norms governing international relations, call on relevant countries to remove differences through political dialogues and seek to address problems in an inclusive and peaceful manner. The third is to enhance mutually beneficial and practical cooperation with regional countries, strive for common development and create conditions for stability in the region. Apart from trade in crude oil, we should also boost trade in non-energy products as well as cooperation in infrastructure and investment. The fourth is to respect the aspiration of regional countries and peoples for reform and development and support those countries in exploring on their own the development path suited to their national conditions.

Q: Japanese media reported that Japan plans to deploy communications facilities, such as new surveillance vessels on Iwo Jima due to China's growing presence in the Pacific. In response to territorial rows, Japan is working to introduce "Global Hawk" reconnaissance drone program around 2015. What is China's comment?

A: We have noted relevant report. Normal maritime activities conducted by China, which conform to the international law, pose no threat to any country. By stirring up tensions and creating threats, some countries are making up excuses for the buildup of their military posture. We hope that the Japanese side will take history as a mirror and play a constructive role in regional peace and stability.

Q: A recent US media report attributed the fast development in China's drone technology to hackers' "theft of US technology". What is China's comment?

A: I have noted relevant report. We owe our achievements in economy and technology to the hard work of the Chinese people, the continuous input in research and development and the improvement of innovation capacity. China and the US have set up a working team on cyber affairs, ensuring an unfettered line of communication between the two sides. The relevant report is a sheer fabrication out of nothing, which will do no good to China-US cooperation on cyber security.